A rural village primary school has been commended for its exemplary behaviour and anti-racist culture in a glowing report from inspectors. St Nicholas Church in Wales Primary in the Vale of Glamorgan is described as a warm, inclusive and nurturing community where childrens feel safe, valued and respected.
Estyn Inspectors praised the school’s strong leadership and clear vision, led by the headteacher, which foster a positive culture of high expectations for both pupils and staff.
Just over 18% of the school’s 152 pupils are eligible for free school meals – which is still used as data although there are now universal free school meals in orimaries in Wales – compared to the local average of 21.7%. None of the pupils speak Welsh at home, the Estyn report shows. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
The report from the education watchdog won the school congraulations and further praise from Elizabeth Jones, Vale of Glamorgan Council’s director of learning and skills, Clare Werrett, head of education for the Dioceses of Llandaff and Monmouth and the Church in Wales bishop for the area.
Ms Jones said: “A key strength identified is the school’s rich and engaging curriculum, which provides creative, meaningful learning experiences that develop pupils’ knowledge, skills and independence.”
Ms Werrett congratulaeted governors, staff and the whole school community, She said Estyn’s findings reflect the hard work and commitment of the staff at St Nicholas.
Noting the school’s commitment to promoting an anti-racist culture inspectors found that children at St Nicholas Primary learn about diversity, challenge stereotypes and develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.
The report notes that: “The school is particularly effective in creating a culture that is strongly anti-racist. Leaders have carried out valuable and effective research, helping them to develop and promote aculture that has moved beyond being non-racist to actively being anti-racist.”
The school’s curriculum is tailored to “ensure that they challenge racial stereotypes, and pupils learn about positive role models from the global majority. Staff encourage pupils to expresstheir cultural heritage and develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.”
Inspectors added that staff know their pupils well and provide effective support, particularly for those with additional learning needs, ensuring an inclusive environment where learners thrive. Behaviour was recognised as exemplary.
Bishop Mary Stallard said: “This is wonderful news and bears testimony to the consistent hard work of thewhole school community. We are so proud of St Nicholas School and all our church schools, who are committed to making Christian values a lived reality.”
Estyn made two recommendations for the school to improve. Inspectors said he school should reduce persistent absenteeism and also provide effective feedback to ensure that all pupils develop a sound understanding of punctuation and grammar.
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